The architect behind Bangkok's shapeshifting tallest building has imagined another supertall building for Asia, this time for Vietnam's largest city. German architect Ole Scheeren borrows cues from the country's mountainous topography to inform the design of a 333-metre-tall skyscraper that would anchor a three-tower development in Ho Chi Minh City.

The supertall Empire 88 is the skyscraping centrepiece, image via Buro Ole Scheeren

The Empire City development seeks to establish a symbiotic relationship between nature and living, starting with a sinuous display of terraced gardens on the podium levels. Designed to reflect Vietnam's stepped paddy fields, this base provides a platform for the rise of three towers that contain diverse interior programs. 

The tower would become one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam, image via Buro Ole Scheeren

The tallest building, Empire 88, features expansive walls of glazing and gently curved corners. About two-thirds up the tower, a cantilevered 'sky forest' will host a variety of local flora accented by water features.

A cross-section of the development, image via Buro Ole Scheeren

The pinnacle of the tower will contain a public observation deck and an events space. A hotel and residences will be located in this supertall building, while the shorter two highrises give way to additional homes and office space.

A 'sky forest' will be embedded within the tower, image via Buro Ole Scheeren

The development is being pursued by Empire City Limited Liability Company, a multi-national joint venture of real estate companies from Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong. No timeline for completion has yet been announced.

Terraced gardens characterize the podium, image via Buro Ole Scheeren

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